He Wenqi approached the car and saw through the windshield that the man inside had reclined his seat back, lying half-back with his eyes closed to rest.
The heater in the car must have been turned up quite high; the collar of Han Ji’s shirt was loose with two buttons undone. His tilted-back neck muscles were stretched long and slender, possessing a certain tension amidst the suppleness like a slumbering leopard exposing a fatal, vulnerable point.
He Wenqi watched for a little while longer before knocking on the car window.
Han Ji wasn’t actually asleep; he was just closing his eyes and thinking about things. Hearing the movement, he opened his eyes, saw it was He Wenqi, and unlocked the car.
He Wenqi opened the door and sat in the passenger seat: “You’ve been following me this whole time?”
Aside from opening his eyes and moving his fingers, Han Ji did not change his posture throughout the entire process.
He took a deep breath and closed his eyes again, his full chest muscles rising and falling: “It’s your birthday, I’m accompanying you.”
Han Ji had followed him all the way, but it wasn’t just to say a sentence like that.
“Sleeping in the car is dangerous, and you even have the windows closed.”
“I wasn’t sleeping, just thinking about things.”
He Wenqi hadn’t slept well all night, and the same was true for Han Ji.
Except the conclusion he reached after a night of insomnia was that, regarding the two of them kissing in the office—regardless of who moved their mouth first—both of them were proactive in the end and enjoyed it very much. Thus, he confirmed that the other party already understood his own feelings.
That was why he had naturally said things like “giving status” and “family” earlier.
However, the other party had not placed him in an equal position; not only did he prevent him from seeing Auntie Qiu, but he hadn’t even thought of telling him the reason.
This entire afternoon, Han Ji was not just following He Wenqi, but was also trying to digest his own negative emotions.
“Are you angry?”
“No.”
With one click, Han Ji adjusted the seat upright and fished out some mints. He offered one to He Wenqi first; He Wenqi waved his hand to decline, so he peeled one and tossed it into his own mouth.
Taking advantage of the cool sensation of the mint sliding down his throat and into his heart, the emotional blockage cleared up momentarily. He decided to respect He Wenqi; if he was unwilling to speak, he wouldn’t force him.
“There’s still time, we can wander around a bit first and then have dinner together.” Han Ji started the car. “Is there anywhere you want to go?”
He Wenqi stared at him seriously for a long time.
“What? Is there something on my face?”
He Wenqi’s gaze was like it had penetrative power. Actually, he was thinking that if Han Ji questioned him forcefully, he would tell him.
Han Ji, however, did not mention it again: “How about I take you to a place.”
Half an hour later, the two arrived at the entrance of an exhibition hall.
“Zong Qingkong’s solo exhibition!” The gloom of their separate inner thoughts along the way was broken by He Wenqi’s involuntary cry of pleasant surprise.
Han Ji was extremely satisfied with this reaction of his. Turning the steering wheel, he couldn’t suppress the upward curl of his lips: “I guessed you would like it.”
He Wenqi couldn’t believe it: “You have tickets? You can’t necessarily buy tickets to Zong Qingkong’s solo exhibition even if you have money.”
Han Ji parked the car at the entrance: “Yes, he rarely holds them, and the number of people is limited. But I told him that a little fan of his has a birthday today, so he opened a green channel for us.”
Zong Qingkong was a highly influential artist of the previous generation from Country V. His works fused Eastern and Western cultures while simultaneously creating strong opposing elements; they possessed both appreciation and interest, and were deeply sought after by the new generation of young people.
He Wenqi was precisely one of those pursuing young people.
“You know Zong Qingkong?” A surprise beyond surprises.
“I know him, he’s so famous.” The two got out of the car. Han Ji led by two steps in front, then stopped to wait for him. “But he isn’t very familiar with me.”
He Wenqi quickly caught up and walked shoulder-to-shoulder with him.
“I merely knew he had plans to open a solo exhibition in Jingcheng, so I asked around through someone. It just so happened the organizer has a friend I know, and it just so happened they ran into some trouble during the exhibition process. I helped out ‘conveniently,’ and ‘offhandedly’ mentioned that I have a very important person who has been a fan of his since childhood. Thus, Zong Qingkong gave me two tickets.” Han Ji said it very lightly—”conveniently” and “offhandedly”—but in reality, he had put in a lot of effort.
He took many detours and spent quite a bit of energy; he used every interpersonal connection he could mobilize to finally obtain such an opportunity.
What Han Ji sought was more than just two tickets; he wanted Zong Qingkong to owe him a favor, so that He Wenqi could have one-on-one, close-distance contact and conversation with Zong Qingkong.
His original plan was to coax the person into a good mood first and then present this surprise, progressing layer by layer to make He Wenqi have a good impression of him again. He just didn’t expect the stolen kiss in the office to disrupt the plan.
But it was the same regardless, and today was He Wenqi’s birthday, which was very meaningful.
Regarding this surprise Han Ji gave, He Wenqi truly had not expected it.
To be able to contact the idol he had worshipped since he was small and even discuss things with him face-to-face, He Wenqi felt this life was worth it.
They spent quite a bit of time at the exhibition hall. It wasn’t until the sky turned grey that He Wenqi reluctantly left with Han Ji.
Having taken many photos, He Wenqi picked some to post on Weibo. After getting in the car, his mouth hadn’t closed once; he didn’t even hear Han Ji asking him what he wanted for dinner.
Han Ji saw him smiling foolishly and took it upon himself to drive the car to the entrance of a restaurant.
“Are you still eating? Have you already filled up just by looking at the exhibition?” Han Ji saw him still holding his phone and repeatedly flipping through the photos and urged him to get out of the car.
“You don’t know, Zong Qingkong is the guiding light on my path of painting.” The joy He Wenqi couldn’t suppress in his heart was still constantly overflowing.
How could Han Ji not know? However, he didn’t object and asked very satisfied: “Are you happy?”
He Wenqi nodded vigorously. Only then did he snap back to his senses and realize he had forgotten to thank the person, saying belatedly: “Thank you, I really like this birthday gift.”
Han Ji touched the bridge of his nose: “Uh, actually this doesn’t count as the birthday gift.” He hadn’t originally planned to give this for the birthday.
He Wenqi: “It’s not the birthday gift?”
Han Ji gave up arguing: “Then I guess it counts. As long as you’re happy.”
During the entire dinner time that followed, He Wenqi was in a state of excitement. He shared Zong Qingkong’s experiences and achievements with Han Ji, and even mentioned the Sniff University of Art that he yearned for.
He Wenqi liked Zong Qingkong’s creative style very much, which also influenced him, making him develop his own “ambition”: it would be great if he could integrate classical elements with Chinese characteristics into it, create even more distinct symbols, and push more of Chinese culture toward the whole world.
The dream was grand, but reality was concrete.
Han Ji did not want to hear about a third person’s matters the whole time they were alone together—even if it was He Wenqi’s childhood idol. He hoped they could talk more about each other. But seeing He Wenqi’s high spirits, he also watched him speak with vivid expressions with patience.
This side of He Wenqi was also a side Han Ji found very attractive; his inner self was abundant and rich, and his emotions were hot and full. Once he lets you enter his world, you will find it colorful and full of constant surprises.
This was the most harmonious, happiest day with the most talking between the two of them since they reunited.
As night fell, the two came out of the restaurant, the lights of ten thousand homes reflecting the silhouettes of the two people.
He Wenqi was still smiling; he had been smiling all night.
Han Ji followed along and smiled, because He Wenqi was smiling.
They were in a commercial district, surrounded entirely by high-end shops. As they passed by, shop assistants were decorating at the entrances for the Christmas warm-up.
Passing a display window, He Wenqi turned his head to take an extra look.
Han Ji stopped his pace. Inside was placed a silver bead, strung with a beautifully knotted, specially-made cord. Looking closer, the bead was slightly teardrop-shaped; the surface was not smooth but had three beautiful patterns, which was very special.
Han Ji asked him: “Want to go in and take a look?”
He Wenqi shook his head: “No need, I’m not buying anyway.”
Mainly, the price of this brand was outrageously high, not something he could afford.
Han Ji was insistent and turned toward the shop door: “We’re not buying, just looking.”
He Wenqi had no choice but to follow behind him into the shop.
The guides of high-end luxury brands are all experts at reading people. With their gazes landing on Han Ji’s hands, waist, and feet, they already had a general profile of his lifestyle and status.
The sales lady’s makeup was appropriate and her smile was pleasant. She likewise let her gaze fall on He Wenqi a few times, then turned back to ask Han Ji: “Sir, do you have a reservation for a specific model?”
If he were an old customer, he would surely have contacted a familiar guide and the desired merchandise in advance. She intentionally asked this because she had pegged Han Ji as a customer with substance; she would certainly ask for his contact information next.
“The items in the shop are for display only. You can add my contact information; I can notify you immediately if there is something you like.”
Han Ji looked around at the furnishings in the shop, walked to the central display area, and casually glanced at the accessories inside: “Do you have stock of that cord bracelet displayed in your window outside?”
“Sir truly has good eyes. This is a new arrival, just put out just now. There is only this one piece, and it is in stock.”
“Good, I want it. Wrap it up.”
“Sir, this model of ours is a couple’s cord bracelet; it is not sold individually. You have to buy the pair?”
“Couple’s? That’s fine, I’ll take both.” This was exactly to Han Ji’s liking. “Is the other one also exactly the same?”
“No, the other one is a gold bead with a pink cord knot.”
“Pink?” Han Ji frowned. “Can’t the cord color be changed to be the same?”
The sales lady explained with extreme patience: “I’m afraid not, sir. This cord bracelet of ours has a meaning, it’s called ‘Prince Rupert’s Drop.’ The gold tear with the pink cord, the silver tear with the grey cord—it highlights a destiny of lovers. Each shop only sells one pair; whoever sees it and can buy it, that is a destiny. Just like how you took a liking to it just now.”
Listening to her speak, Han Ji unconsciously raised his eyes to look at the person focused by another display stand. A destiny taken a liking to at first glance—it was well said.
Except he certainly wouldn’t wear pink. What about him?
Han Ji suddenly remembered that while looking for clothes in He Wenqi’s wardrobe, he seemed to have seen a pink T-shirt.
Then there was no problem. Han Ji curled the corners of his mouth: “Wrap up the pink one, I’m giving it as a gift.”
“Certainly, sir.”
…
“What are you looking at?” Han Ji walked to He Wenqi’s side, pretending not to care.
He Wenqi pointed at a pair of silver rings nested together inside: “This design is very special.” They should be a pair of couple’s rings.
He had seen Han Ji chatting with the sales lady earlier: “What did you buy?”
Han Ji raised his left wrist with some pride to show him: “Does it look good?”
It was the silver tear bracelet. He Wenqi had been attracted by this very bead outside the window earlier.
He nodded, hiding his gaze of fondness: “It looks very good.”
This item was not something he could afford; it looked just right worn on Han Ji’s wrist.
“Then let’s go.” Han Ji reached out and placed his arm over his shoulder.
At the sudden close distance, He Wenqi’s expression and body both stiffened for a moment. He was hooked by Han Ji and walked grandly out of the shop door under the 90-degree bowing postures of all the sales ladies.
Han Ji drove and sent the person to the entrance of the residential complex. He Wenqi got out of the car to say goodbye and saw that he had also stepped out of the car.
“I can go in by myself. Are you actually going to follow me?”
“Happy birthday!” Han Ji said it once more.
“Thank you, today was very happy.” He Wenqi thought of the meeting with his idol.
Han Ji reached out and handed him an exquisite gift bag about the size of a palm: “When we were kids, you would try every possible way to ask me for a birthday gift. Why aren’t you asking for one now?”
He Wenqi stared at his suspended hand: “What is it?”
“See for yourself when you get home.”
He Wenqi reached out to take it, his fingers pinching the bag, but Han Ji pulled and wouldn’t let go.
“Do you like pink?” Han Ji asked suddenly.
“Eh?” He Wenqi was stunned by the head-to-tail-less question.
Han Ji raised his left hand again, shaking the silver tear on his wrist: “You will understand what I mean once you open the gift. If you agree, I hope to see you wearing it to work tomorrow.”
Han Ji let go of his hand and continued: “That way, I will also understand your meaning.”
He Wenqi was confused and instinctively reached out to touch the item in the bag.
Han Ji’s gaze stopped him.
Fine, see it at home then. Playing that kids’ routine.
The two said goodbye once more. Han Ji watched the person stuff the entire bag into his coat pocket and didn’t turn around to get in the car and leave until he entered the gate and could no longer be seen.
He was very satisfied with expressing his heart in this way.
Once He Wenqi opened the gift, he would see a cord bracelet of the same style but a different color. Just like those couple’s rings, he would think it was a couple’s style no matter what. Connecting it to the words he just said, he would surely understand his own heart.
By putting on the cord bracelet, the two would be considered to have understood each other’s hearts and agreed.
If he didn’t wear it, then that meant… he refused.
He probably wouldn’t refuse.
Han Ji shook his head and started the car. It looked like it would be another night of difficult sleep.
…
After leaving Han Ji’s sight, He Wenqi took the bag out again. He held it up and looked at it before his eyes for a long time; he truly couldn’t hold back and couldn’t wait to fish the item out.
—It was a square velvet jewelry box.
He Wenqi’s heart stirred, fixedly thinking of the pair of couple’s rings he saw in the jewelry shop. Could Han Ji have bought that thing?
Giving him a pair of couple’s rings? What did it mean?
If he gave one, then he might still be able to know what Han Ji meant, but Han Ji couldn’t possibly give it to him. A pair—could it be that he wanted him to prepare it for a future boyfriend?
He Wenqi stared at the box in the elevator. Several times he wanted to open it, but he forced himself to wait. At the last moment he truly couldn’t endure it, and his hand had just touched the edge of the lid when the elevator doors opened.
Since he was home, then he would go into the room and then open it.
The apartment hallway was a long corridor. He Wenqi walked toward his door.
Just as he finished entering the password, the door “clicked” open—
“Xiao Qi.” A tentative, low and raspy middle-aged man’s voice sounded behind him.
He Wenqi turned his head. Black clothes, black hat, black mask—it was the person who had grabbed him at the complex entrance that time before Fang Zhenkang’s ex-wife splashed water on him.
Alarm bells rang loudly in He Wenqi’s mind. It was never-ending; he even came to squat at his front door. Wasn’t the matter of Fang Zhenkang a misunderstanding?
Before he even had time to think about whether the next step was to take out his phone to call the police first or call Han Ji first, the man had already removed his mask, revealing an aged face that was faintly similar to He Wenqi’s.
The man opened his mouth to speak: “I am your father.”